El Portal Restaurant’s annual Tequila Tasting event is celebrating its own coming of age today, marking 24 years of bringing fine tequilas and Mexican culture to Pasadena. The milestone event on Thursday, Sept. 12, promises a diverse selection of spirits, lively entertainment and a continued commitment to responsible enjoyment.
“This is our 22nd annual tequila tasting, so we’re kind of gaining our age, the legal age, to remind,” said Abel Ramirez, owner of El Portal. The event, which started when wine tastings dominated the local scene, has grown to include new producers and varieties annually.
Attendees can expect 32 to 35 different tequila producers offering samples, including new labels and potentially three to four mezcal varieties.
Live music by the group “Los Dose” and a dance contest with tequila bottles as prizes will add to the festive atmosphere. Mexican hors d’oeuvres, or “bocadillos,” will complement the spirits, creating a cultural experience that goes beyond mere tasting.
The tasting will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard of El Portal Restaurant, located at 695 East Green Street in Pasadena.
El Portal has implemented safety measures, including wristbands for designated drivers and controlled serving sizes, to ensure responsible consumption.
“People don’t walk out drunk, they don’t over drink,” Ramirez said, emphasizing the event’s focus on guest safety.
Tickets for the event cost $55 per person, with a $3–$5 order fee. Ramirez encourages early ticket purchases, as there will be a $10 surcharge for tickets bought at the door.
The tequila tasting has become a cherished tradition in Pasadena, blending cultural appreciation with responsible enjoyment. Its growth reflects the expanding interest in tequila and mezcal in the area. The event typically coincides with Mexican Independence Day celebrations, adding to its cultural significance.
“We are the ones who started the tequila tasting in Pasadena,” Ramirez said. “And now we have a few other restaurants who are doing it. And that’s fine. They don’t take anything away from us. We’re happy that whatever we started is now copied by others.”
El Portal also hosts other cultural celebrations throughout the year, including a Mexican Independence Day event on Sunday, Sept. 15, and a Christmas gathering featuring opera singers from Latino Opera in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit https://www.elportalrestaurant.com/.
El Portal is located in Arcade Lane, 695 E. Green Street in downtown Pasadena, CA. For more, call (626) 795-8553.
